The former Newcastle Knights great, and brother of eighth Immortal Andrew, was the special guest at the organisation’s Sportsman’s Dinner at the Singleton Golf Club on Friday night.

The evening also doubled as a fundraiser for the association’s new curator’s shed at Rose Point Park.

“We were very happy with the response,” said Tim Gore, of the SDCA.

“More than 150 people attended the function.

“And, we ended up raising about $7000 on the night.

“We also received some late auction items from NSW Cricket, which was great.

“They donated two packages – one included four tickets to the upcoming Sydney Test match and a signed NSW bat.

“The other was four tickets to a Sydney Sixes’ Big Bash League fixture, as well as a Brett Lee-autographed shirt.”

When The Argus caught up with Johns, he was looking extremely relaxed for a man in demand.

“It’s been a big day,” he said.

“I dropped into Cessnock to visit family, then attended a luncheon in Branxton to support the Mark Hughes Foundation.

“Now, I’m in Singleton as the guest speaker for the cricket association’s Sportsman’s Dinner.

“But, I’m happy to be here.

“I like these types of events.

“You can sit back with friends, have a beer and, hopefully, a few laughs as well.”

Johns admitted the Mark Hughes Foundation also meant a lot to him.

“It’s a not-for-profit organisation, which was formed when Mark was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013,” he said.

“I played alongside Mark at the Knights for many years – he’s a champion.

“He is also a well-known and highly-respected business and community identity. 

“The Mark Hughes Foundation raises much-needed funds to promote research, heighten awareness and support brain cancer patients and their families.”